NYPA Rate Increases and Bonuses Outrageous

Amherst and Albany, NY – Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today expressed his anger and disbelief at the New York Power authority’s proposed 12.1% increase in hydroelectric rates for more than 2.3 million upstate customers, while at the same time providing “performance” bonuses to its 1500 employees.“The people of Western New York have been lied to, “”when the democrats swept more than 300 million dollars from the New York Power authority accounts in February, they said that it would not have an impact on rates for customers, obviously this was not true.”

Considering the sour economy and the fact that families across upstate New York are hurting, the idea that power authority employees would receive a bonus while rates increase is simply unacceptable.“The nation was sickened when it was revealed recently that AIG would pay bonuses to employees, after accepting a government bailout, now we find out that the New York Power authority is operating in the same cynical fashion,” Ranzenhofer stated.

As if rates increases and employee bonuses were not enough, the Power authority has also refused to support major economic development projects in Western New York such as the Huntley power plant, while sending this power to Long Island’s Brookhaven Lab.It should concern everyone when NYPA Chief Richie Kessel can find ways to help his friends on Long Island while he turns his back on Western New York.

“I call upon NYPA to reject this electric rate increase or more accurately this tax increase on upstate New York families.Upstate New York resources should be used for the benefit of upstate New York’s economy, period, and I will fight to make sure that they are.”

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer was elected to the New York State Senate in 2008.He represents the 61st Senate District which includes part of the city of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead and Tonawanda in Erie County and all of Genesee County.